It's trees versus flying machines on the streets of Los Angeles, and to make space for shuttle Endeavor's upcoming commute across town, crews are chopping down hundreds of pine, ficus and other perennial woody plants.

About 400 trees must be removed in preparation for next month's spaceplane road trip from LAX to the California Science Center. The institution plans to plant two saplings for every toppled timber, but some residents are upset about the skinny tree replacements.

The L.A. Times reports that the route was changed after Leimert Park residents opposed cutting down dozens of trees planted in honor of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

The retired space shuttle will be transported to Los Angeles International Airport atop a Boeing 747 on Sept. 20, weather permitting, and will remain there until Oct. 12 when it embarks on a non-warp speed tour through the city.

Endeavour, which completed its 25th mission last year, will go on display as a new exhibit on Oct. 30.